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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
AFTER dominating last year’s COSAFA Women’s Championships in Bulawayo, Mighty Warriors chief striker Rutendo Makore wants the senior women’s side to raise the bar for this year’s edition in South Africa.

Makore won the Golden Boot with 10 goals last year in a tournament Zimbabwe lost in the final to South Africa.

“What I can say is that in this tournament we don’t have to relax because if you look at the teams coming, there is Cameroon, Malawi, and they are good teams.

“Last year against Malawi we drew 3-3, so our focus going there, we are saying we need to up our game to get into the final.

“Our group is not that difficult. But we can’t afford to be complacent because anything can happen.

“And, if you look at it, all these countries have been training and preparing. So if we relax, because we have beaten them before, they will shock us.

“We have to pull our socks so that we can come out of the group stages on top,” said Makore.

Last year, the Mighty Warriors pulled through to the semi-finals as the best-placed runners-up after they finished second behind Zambia in group A.

The participation of Cameroon and Uganda as guest nations is expected to raise the competition at this year’s showpiece.

“Our focus going into the tournament should be on winning our games.

“We have to win our matches and not read much into history, whether it’s a small or big team.

“We have to work as a team and do our best.

“Personally, I believe in God, just praying and asking for guidance, He will give you that power to excel.

“Last year I was shocked, I wasn’t expecting what happened. It was all because of God.

“I trust that this year again I am going to do it, I am hopeful and trust that I can do it,” said Makore.

ZIFA vice president Omega Sibanda and board member finance Philemon Machana visited the team in camp yesterday and rallied them to do well in South Africa.

“I am very delighted to see shining faces all ready to play for their country.

“I am very proud of such a wonderful Mighty Warriors team.

“I know you will be successful. We encourage you to be proud to play for your country and we are optimistic you will bring the trophy back home,” said Sibanda.

The team is expected to leave for South Africa on September 10 ahead of the competition, which kicks off on the 12th in Port Elizabeth.

Groups

Group A: South Africa, Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi.

Group B:  Zambia, Cameroon, Lesotho, Mozambique.

Group C: Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Namibia, Uganda.